Tip of the Week - Compare and Contrast

You may be asked to write an essay that compares and contrasts two things or ideas. Remember this:

Compare = Similarities

Contrast = Differences

When you are asked to write a "compare & contrast" essay, you should discuss the ways in which two things are the same and different. The easiest way to organize your ideas for this type of essay is by using a Venn Diagram. Just make two overlapping circles. Label each circle with one of the things you're comparing and contrasting. For example, in this diagram, we're comparing and contrasting dogs and cats. In the "dog" circle, we've listed some ways that dogs are different from cats; in the "cat" circle, we've listed some ways that cats are different from dogs. In the place where the two circles overlap, we've listed some things that apply to both dogs and cats.

Now we have our ideas all set up for three paragraphs for the body of our essay. In one paragraph, we'll talk about dogs. In the next paragraph, we'll talk about cats. In the third paragraph, we'll talk about both of them. Of course, we'll still need opening and closing paragraphs, too! Use this Venn diagram to practice writing a "compare & contrast" essay, or make one of your own!

Writing Tip of the Week -- Organized Writing

Essays are like sandwiches. The main idea is the meat; there should be a little bit in every bite. The supporting ideas are like condiments; they should spice up the essay without overpowering the main idea. The opening and closing paragraphs are the two slices of bread that hold it all together.



Paragraphs are like mini-essays. Again, the main idea is the meat. The supporting details are condiments, and the topic sentences and conclusions are the bread.



Take a look at this opening paragraph: